The present study was
conducted in the southern part of East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya
dominated by tribe Khasi Wars where maximum land is under Areca nut plantation.
Areca nut seedlings are seriously damaged by the grubs of a red palm weevil
which kill the whole seedling. However, the Wars farmers with their traditional
wisdom easily detect the
infested seedlings and with their indigenous practices of “checking the grubs
in nuts” locally known as “peit ksain
kwai” control the damage of the young plants. Khasi Wars farmers’ knowledge
for identifying and protecting Areca nuts damage in the young stage developed
by indigenous initiative, inherited over generations, is very effective and
still in practice.

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